Type-writing machine.



PATENTED MAR. 7, 1905.

0. WOODWARD.

TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. so, 1902.

LL. |NVENTEIH= MTNEEEEE Patented March 7, 1905.

PATENT FFICE.

OSCAR VVOODVVARD, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO DENSMORE TYPEWRITERCOMPANY, OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, A CORPORA- TION OF N EW' YORK.

TYPE-WRITING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 784,368, dated March 7,1905.

Application filed December 30, 1902. Serial No. 137,132.

To all 1071 0712 it may concern.-

Be it known that I, OSCAR oonwixnmacitizen of the United States, and aresident of the borough of Manhattan, city of New York, in the county ofNew York and State of New York, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in lype\\"riting Machines, of which the following is aspecification.

My invention relates to line-spacing mechanisms for type-writingmachines whereby the platen may be rotated through regular line-spacedistances and may also be turned through irregular or fractionalline-space distances. Heretofore in such constructions where frictionalmechanism has been employed to connect the line-space ratchet-wheel withthe platen great difficulty has been encountered by reason of theineffectiveness of the frictional mechanism to work perfectly under allconditions of use, but more particularly when the line-space lever isactuated violently or suddenly with considerable force, and at whichtime there is a liability of failure of the platen to turn equally Withthe linespace ratchet-wheel, owing to the insufiicient grip or frictionof the connecting devices, and hence unequal line-spacing will resultwhere it is not intended or desired.

The object of my invention is to overcome the above and otherdifficulties heretofore presented and to provide simple and efficientmechanism for effecting such a firm and enduring engagement between theplaten and the line-spacing ratchet-wheel that no matter how gently orhow violently the latter may be actuated the platen shall always turncoextensively therewith, which at the same time provides a constructionsuch that the platen may be readily disconnected from the ratchetwheel,so as to be turned independently of the latter in either direction forthe insertion of a letter, word, or line in any type-written matter, orfor the printing of lines at distances apart not permitted by theratchet-wheel, or for writing words and lines in blank spaces of printedforms which require a feed movement of the platen different from thatpredetermined by the regular line-spacing mechanism.

To these and other ends, which will hereinafter appear, my inventionconsists in the va r'ious features of construction, arrangements ofparts, and combinations of devices to be hereinafter more fullydescribed, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, Figure1 is a central longitudinal sectional view of the right-hand end of atype-writer platen, illustrating one form of my invention in connectiontherewith. Fig. 2 is a similar view of the same, taken at a right angleto the position of the parts shown in Fig. 1 and with the platen-headand ratchet-wheel in elevation. Fig. 3 is an end view of theratchet-wheel and gripping-levers illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and withthe coverplate removed, the view looking in the direction of the arrowin Fig. 1. Fig. 4t is a detail end view of a guide-linger carried by thecentral platen shaft or spindle. Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view ofthe righthand platen-head. Fig. 6 is a detail fragmentary perspectiveview of the gripping-levers and line-spacing ratchet-wheel, the viewshowing the action ofthe levers upon the flange of the ratchet-wheel.Fig. 7 is a central longitudinal sectional view taken through therighthand end of the platen and illustrating certain modifications inthe structure. Fig. 8 is a de-' tail perspective view of a furthermodification of the device for actuating the grippinglevers. Fig. 9 is afragmentary longitudinal sectional view showing a modified form of leverfor alfording connection between the line-spacing ratchet-wheel andplaten, the section being taken on the same line as Fig. 1.

In the various views similar numerals of reference will be used todesignate similar parts.

The cylindrical platen is composed of ahollow core 1, covered with theusual rubber sheath 2, and preferably at the right-hand end of theplaten is a head 3, securely attached to the platen by screws 4 passingthrough holes 5 in saidhead and taking into the platen-core. Thisplaten-head has a hub 6, which is slotted on opposite sides at 3 andwhich extends into the hollow core of the platen. The outer face of theplaten-head is also provided with a similar hub 7, from which projectsan outwardly-extending smaller perforated hub 8, the perforationsextending through the head, as at 8, and for the passage of the platenshaft or spindle 9, seated in'a suitable bearing in the end 9 of theplaten-frame of the carriage 9", which in this case may be of theDensmoretype. The inwardly-extendinghub 6 has tapped holes 10 thereinfor the reception of screws 11, which secure to the hub a stirrup oryoke 12, extending into the socket or hollow center of the core 1, andwhich yoke is perforated at its inner end or cross-bar 12 to permit thefree passage of the shaft 9. The hub? also has tapped holes 13 in theend thereof, Fig. 3, for the attachment of headed screws of a coverplate 14, which bears against the line-space ratchet-wheel 15 andprevents it from moving endwise outwardly, without, however, interfering with its free rotation on the hub 7.-

The stirrup or frame 12 has in one of its sides a slot 16 for thereception of a guidefinger 17, which moves therein. This finger 17 isrigidly secured to the shaft 9 and by its engagement with the slotprevents an independent rotation between the shaft and the platen andcauses the two always to turn together. The shaft 9 carries at its outerend a platen finger-wheel 18 to effect rotation of the platen eitherwhen connected to or disconnected from the ratchet-wheel, and a coiledexpansion-spring 19 under tension encircles the shaft between the sleeveor hub of the finger 17 and the cross-bar 12 of the stirrup and tends topush the shaft endwise and outwardly. The inner bifurcated end of theshaft 9 carries a wedge or tapering actuating device 20, which at itsapex or smaller end is pivoted to said shaft by a pin 21, on which it isfree to swing laterally of the shaft The ratchetwheel 15 i-sa ringprovided with the usual teeth to be acted. upon by any suit: ableline-spacing pawl, (not shown,) and cooperating with the said teeth isthe usual spring-pressed check roller or detent 22 to prevent overthrowand an accidental turning of the platen and to hold it, together withthe paper carried thereby,in the positions to which they are moved bythe ordinary line-spacing pawl. The ratchet wheel has an annular flangeor web 23, which extends toward the axis of the platen and has a centralcircular opening to enable the wheel to be seated and revolved on theperiphery of the hub 7.

Carried loosely in the slots 3 of the inner hub of the platen-head 3 aretwo levers 24, that extend longitudinally of the platen. Each lever hasat its outer end integral clamping or gripping jaws 25, which project atsubstantially right angles to the length of the lever and extend onopposite sides or faces of the flange 23 of the ratchet-wheel. Normallythese U-shaped jaws are caused to bite and bind the flange 23 with greatforce and lock the parts together, so as to prevent an independentmovement of the line-spacing ratchetwheel and platen, as willhereinafter more clearly appear. The inner ends of the levers 24 areinclined,as at 26, to permit awedging action thereon of the curved ortapering faces 27 of the spreader or actuating device 20.

It having been explained that the levers 24 are seated in the slots 3'of the platen-head and that the platen-head is secured to the platen, itwill be understood that the platen and the levers are thus fixed torotate together. The spring 19 causes the wedge or actuating device toexert outward or lateral pressure on the inclined edges 26 of the levers24, and thus causes each pair of the jaws to bind or grip the flange 23on its opposite sides or faces and prevents rotation of theratchetwheel15 and jaws independently of each other. The finger 17 beingseated in the slot of the stirrup 12 prevents an independent rotation ofshaft 9, finger-wheel 18, and the platen, so that these parts are alleffectually locked to rotate together. When it is desired to turn theplaten independently of the ratchet-wheel, as for fractionalline-spacing, the operator presses the finger-wheel 18 inwardly againstthe tension of the spring 19 and relieves the ends of the levers 24 frompressure of the wedge or device 20 and the jaws 25 release the flange 23and permit a rotation of the platen to any desired extent independentlyof the line-spacing wheel, which at this time is maintained fixed by thepressure of the detent 22 thereon. Thus while the inward or endwisepressure is exerted on the fingerwheel 18 it may be rotated, carryingwith it the shaft or spindle 9, the sliding finger 17, the stirrup 12,the platen-head 3, the gripping-levers 24, and the platen. When thefractional line-spacing has been effected, (and this may be very slightrelatively to the distance from line to line as determined by the teethof the ratchet-wheel 15,) endwise pressure on the finger-wheel isreleased, and the spring 19 causes the actuating device 20 instantly toexert its pressure on the levers 24 and causes the jaws to bite theflange 23, effectually bringing about an automatic locking of the parts,so that the finger-wheel, line spacing wheel, and platen will all rotatetogether.

'It will be observed that the levers 24 in the construction thus'fardescribed are not fixedly pivoted, but lie loosely in the slots orchannels 3, and the wedge or device 20 being pivoted (to move laterallyrelatively to the shaft 9) it exerts no more pressure on one lever thanon the other, but causes the levers to exert pressure in opposition toeach other; that all of the pressure applied by the spring is exertedequally on both levers and is ap plied on opposite faces of the flange23 and at opposite sides of the center of the linespacing ratchet-wheel;that none of the pressure applied laterally of the levers is exertedagainst the platen shaft or spindle 9 nor against any fixed pivots, sothat the full force ofthe spring is transmitted equally to both levers;that movements of the finger-wheel enrlwise of the platen are effectiveto disconnect and connect the line-spacing wheel and the platen; thatthe gripping-jaws bind upon opposite sides of the flange 23 and endwiseof the platen and so as to effect a powerful frictional engagementbetween the parts, thus avoiding any liability of the platen creepingduring a violent line-spacing movement or being slightly rotated duringthe engagement or disengagement of the parts. It will likewise beobserved that the space between the integral jaws 25 of each lever isjust of suflicient width for the flange 23 to be contained therein andto afford free rotation of the jaws relatively thereto when the pressureof the wedge is removed from the faces of the levers 26, that the leversare at all times maintained in substantially horizontal positions by theassociated parts, that the construction enables the employment of longlevers, and that it requires but a very slight outward movement of thefree ends of the levers to cause the jaws to efficiently bind againstthe flange to lock the parts together.

In Fig. 7 instead of using a plate-like pivotal wedge on the end ofshaft 9 a small roller 28 with curved or tapering periphery is looselysupported on the shaft nearits inner end and is prevented fromdisplacement along the shaft by collars 29. The opening or bore in theroller 28 is somewhat larger than the diameter of the shaft and admitsof a slight lateral play or movement of the roller relatively to theshaft, so that the action of the roller is very similar to that of thepivoted wedge 20 and causes the levers 24 to exert a pressure inopposition to each other. In the structure shown in this figure Isubstitute for the slot 16 and linger 17 a rigid arm 30, fixed on theshaft 9 and provided with a transverse opening in its outer end, throughwhich passes a pin 31, projecting from the inner face of the platen-hub6. The arm and shaft rotate together, and when the shaft is moved endwise it will carry the arm 30 with it; but the pin throughout thismovement will maintain the shaft locked to the hub, so that when theshaft is rotated the hub and platen turn therewith.

In Fig. 8 two antifriction-rollers 32 are carried by a small frame 33,that has an elongated opening 33, through which the shaft 9 extends.Theframe likewise has two perforated cars 34, which form bearings toenable the frame to move laterally of the shaft 9 on the guide-pin 35,rigidly secured to the shaft. The movement of this frame laterally onthe shaft permits an equal distribution of the pressure upon the twolevers 24 in the same general manner as in the constructions hereln theconstruction shown at Fig. 9 each part 24 constitutes a long arm of abent lever that extends longitudinally of the platen, whereas the part25 of each lever constitutes a short arm thereof, that is adapted tobear directly with frictional contact against the line-spacing wheel,and this is likewise true of the corresponding parts of theconstructions shown in the other figures of the drawings.

It will be observed that in the various constructions shown there isabsolutely no independent rotation or lost motion between the hand-wheeland platen, that the gripping is instantly and automatically effected,that the right-hand finger-wheel of the platen is effective to bothrelease the platen and to rotate it when released or when locked to thelinespacing ratchet-wheel, and that when the hand of the operator isremoved from the hand wheel the parts will be automatically actuated tolock the line-spacing ratchet-wheel and platen to rotate together, sothat there is no necessity for the operator to effect a specialmovementof a part after each differential or fraetronal-hne-space movement inorder properly to connect the platen and line-space wheel.

The occasional rotation of the platen for fractional line-spacingchanges the relation between the platen and line-spacing wheel, so thatthe impact of the types is not always on certain given lines asdetermined by the teeth of the wheel, and the wear is consequentlydistributed over the entire surface of the platen.

By pivoting the wedge or permitting the side play of its equivalentdevices the shaft9 is free from lateral pressure and the devices actuniformly on both levers and each lever becomes the bearing for thepressure exerted on the other. In consequence of this pressure asimultaneous gripping action is effected on the flange 23 and a uniformpressure is maintained thereon, and the construction is such that a longleverage is provided for the longitudinally-disposed levers 24 (or 24)and an eflicient engagement is maintained by a comparatively slightpressure exerted by the spring 19. The construction shown in walls ofthe groove therein to bind upon the flange.

The constructions are such that the platen can be nicely turned throughminute arcs for fractional line-spacing, and while I prefer to employsmooth friction-faces on the jaws 25 (or 25*) and on the flange 23, withwhich they cooperate, it should be understood that from certain aspectsof my invention these faces may be roughened, serrated, or provided withteeth. In the particular constructions shown, however, this rougheninghas been found unnecessary, as an eflicient binding action is effectedwithout it.

Various changes in details of construction and arrangements of parts maybe made without departing from the spirit of my invention. Thus, forinstance, it is obvious that the cams inclined or wedging surfaces forspreading or actuating the clamping-levers may be carried by saidlevers, by the platenshaft or spindle 9, .or by both, as shown.

It will be noted in my preferred construction'that the loosely-arrangedor unpivoted levers or gripping-jaws are mounted in a manner such thatthey not only grip the linespacing wheel, but also fulcrum thereon andreceive directly the full available force of the spring that causes themto act to connect the line-spacing wheel to the platen. If the saidlevers were fixedly pivotedas, for example, in Fig. Q a considerableportion of the force of the said spring would be exerted on the pivotsand greatly diminish the pressure or gripping effect upon theline-spacing wheel. Moreover, if there were employed some intermediatefixedly-pivoted lever for actuating the line-spacing wheel-grippinglevers said intermediate pivoted lever would likewise take from theforce of the spring and materially lessen the gripping effect of thelevers acting on the line-spacing wheel. In my preferred construction itWill be observed that the full essential force of the spring is exerteddirectly on the-gripping levers or jaws andthat no portion of the forceof said spring is lost or expended by first acting upon someintermediate lever or other device connected with the platen, and whichif'.existing would necessa-- and the line-spacing wheel than can beobtained where any portionof the spring-power is diverted, so as to beexerted upon some fixed portion of the platen or some device securedthereto. Hence in some of my broader claims,

wherein I refer to the expenditure of the full essential force of thespring directly on the gripping or binding lever, it will be understoodthat this expression is intended to distinguish between a constructionwherein some portion of the force of the spring is diverted to and actsupon some part of the platen or its shaft and my preferred construction,wherein the entire available force of the spring is transmitted orpasses directly to the lever and linespacing wheel, which latter ofcourse, it will be understood, are not a part of the platen proper,although they are connected thereto. Moreover, in stating that the fullforce of the spring is exerted directly on the said binding orgripping-lever I do not wish to be understood that the said spring mustnecessarily be in immediate contact with said lever and act directlythereagainst. Although the spring is shown as mounted on a shaft orspindle which is provided with an actuator for the lever, neverthelessit will be seen that the entire available tension or working force ofsaid spring is adapted to expend itself directly upon said bindingleverand line-spacing wheel instead of being lost in part on some fixed pivotor other device intermediate the spring and the lever.

hat I claim as new, by Letters Patent, is-- 1. In a type-writingmachine, the combination of a platen, a line-spacing ratchet-wheel, aflange on said wheel, clamping-jaws that are adapted to bear on oppositesides or faces of said flange, and means for moving said jaws.

2. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel, a flange on said wheel, clamping-jaws thatare adapted to bear on opposite sides or faces of said flange, alever-arm to which said jaws are connected, and means for moving saidleverarm.

3. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel, a flange on said wheel, a lever that extendslongitudinally of the platen, clamping-jaws that are adapted to bear onopposite sides or faces of said flange, and means for effecting alateral movement of the free end of said lever.

I. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacingmatchet-wheel having a flange projecting therefrom, a leverwhich is provided with a transverse groove in which said flange isseated, and means for moving said lever.

5. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel having an inwardly-projecting flange, a leverthat extends longitudinally of the platen and which is provided with atransverse groove in which said flange is seated, and means for movingsaid lever transversely of the platen to efand desire to secure feet theengagement and disengagement thereof from the flange.

6. In a type-writing machine, the combina tion of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-Wheel having a flange, a plurality of levers,clamping-jaws carried by each of said levers and adapted to engage theflange on opposite sides or faces thereof, and an actuating device thatcooperates with said levers to effect an engagement or disengagementbetween the clamping-jaws and said flange.

7. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel having an inwardly-directed flange, aplurality of levers that extend longitudinally of the platen,clamping-jaws carried by each of said levers and adapted to engage theflange on opposite sides or faces thereof, and a springpressed actuatingdevice that cooperates with said levers to automatically effect anengagement between the clamping-jaws and said flange, and hand-actuatedmeans for effecting a disengagement of the jaws from said flange.

8. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a platen-headsecured thereto and which has achannel therein, alever seated in saidchannel so that the lever is connected to turn with the platen and mayreceive a movement independent thereof, a line-spacing wheel having anannular flange which is seated in a groove in said lever, and a.finger-wheel operatively connected to afford a transverse movement ofthe free end of said lever to effect an engagement or disengagementbetween the lever and said flange.

9. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a shaft, aline-spacing ratchetwheel, a plurality of engaging devices that rotatewith the platen and which are adapted to engage said line-spacing wheeland an actuating device that is supportedby said shaft and isa'dapted toreceive a movement independently and laterally thereof and to bear uponsaid engaging devices to afford an actuation thereof, whereby thepressure is equally exerted upon said engaging devices.

10. In a type-writingmachine,the combination of a platen, a line-spacingratchet-wheel, a plurality of engaging levers that extend longitudinallyof the platen and rotate with it and which are provided with meansadapted to engage said line-spacing wheel, a longitudinally-movableshaft and an actuating device that is connected to said shaft and isadapted to move independently and laterally thereof and to bear uponsaid levers.

11. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a. platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel, a plurality of engaging devices that rotatewith the platen and which are adapted to engage said line-spaeing wheel,a shaft and a wedge that is pivoted to said shaft'and is adapted to bearor press equally upon said engaging devices.

12. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a plat-en, aline-spacing ratchet wheel, a plurality of engaging devices that areadapted to engage the line-spacing ratchet-wheel or to be disengagedtherefrom, a longitudinallymovable shaft that is connected to rotatewith the platen, an actuating device carried by said shaft and movableindependently"thereof in directions transverse thereto and adapted tobear or press on the engaging devices, and a finger-wheel connected tosaid shaft.

13. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel, a plurality of levers that extendlongitudinally of the platen and each of which is provided with meansadapted to engage the linespacing ratchet-wheel or be disengagedtherefrom, a longitudinally-movable shaft that is connected to rotatewith the platen, an actuating device carried by said shaft and movableindependently thereof in directions transverse thereto and adapted tobear or press on said levers, a spring exerting its tension on the shaftand effective to normally maintain the engaging devices locked to theline-spacing wheel, and a linger-wheel connected to said shaft andeffective to turn the platen and to move the shaft longitui'linallyagainst the tension of its spring in order to release the engagingdevices from the line-spacing wheel.

14. In a type-writing machine, the com bination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel, a freely-disposed and unpivotedlever-,clamping-jaws carried by said lever and cooperating with theline-spacing wheel, and means for actuating said lever.

15. Inatype-writingmachine, thecombination of a platen, a line-spacingratchet-wheel having an annular flange, a U-shaped clamp that cooperateswith said flange, an integral lever-arm connected to said U-shapedclamp, and means for affording a lateral movement of said lever.

16. In a type-writing machine, the combina-' tion of a platen, aline-spacing ratchetwheel having an inwardly-directed annular flange,oppositely-disposed Ushaped clamps which cooperate with said flange, anintegral leverarm connected to each of said clamps, and means foraffording a lateral movement of thefree ends of said lever-arms toeffect an engagement and disengagement of the clamps on said flange.

17. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel having an in\\-'ardly-directed annularflange, oppositely-disposed U-shaped clamps which cooperate with saidflange, an integral leverarm connected to each of said clamps, an aetuating device interposed between the free ends of said lever-arms, ashaft to which said actuating device is connected, and a lingerwheelconnected to said shaft.

18. In a type-writing machine, the combination'of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel having an'inwardly-directed annular flange,oppositely-disposed U-shapcd clamps which cooperate with said flange, anintegral leverarm connected to each of said clamps, a platen IIS levercontained within the platen and extend-- ing longitudinally thereof, anintegral U- shaped clamp that extends at substantially right angles tothe length of the lever and cooperates with said annular flange, andhandcontrolled means for acting on said lever.

20. In atype-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a platen-headsecured thereto and having a channel therein, a line-spacingratchet-wheel having an inwardly-directed annular flange, a leverloosely seated in the channel in the platen-head and extendinglongitudinally of the platen, an integral U-shaped clamp that extends atsubstantially right angles to the length of the lever and cooperateswith said annular flange, a platen shaft or spindle that rotates withthe platen and moves longitudinally thereof, and means controlled by thelongitudinal movement of the shaft for effecting a lateral movement ofsaid lever.

21. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel having an annular flange that projects in;Ward] y therefrom, oppositely disposed U- shaped clamps that cooperatewith said flange, an integral lever-arm connected to each clamp, saidlever-arms being contained within the platen and extendinglongitudinally thereof, an actuating device intermediate of saidleverarms, a shaft that rotates with the platen and moveslongitudinallythereof and to which said actuating device is connected,-a spring foreffecting a longitudinal movement of the shaft in one direction, and afinger-wheel connected to said shaft and adapted to move it in theopposite direction against the tension of said spring.

22. In atype-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a platen-headsecured to the platen and having channels therein, a linespacingratchet-wheel having an annular flange that projects inwardly therefrom,oppositelydisposed U-shaped clamps that cooperate with said flange, anintegral lever-arm connected to each clamp, said lever-arms beingloosely seated in channels in the platen-head and extendinglongitudinally of the platen, an actuating device intermediate of saidlever-arms, a shaft that rotates with the platen andmoves-longitudinally thereof and to which said actuating device isconnected to move laterally and independently of said shaft, a springfor effect- .ing a longitudinal movement of the shaft in said shaft andadapted to move it in the opposite direction against the tension of saidspring to release the clamps from engagement with the flange.

23. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a line-spaceratchet-wheel provided with a flange, levers with gripping-jawsoperating on the flange of the ratchet-wheel, a spring-pressed shaft, aWedge carried loosely by said shaft and cooperating with the levers tocause the jaws to bite and hold the flange, and a finger-wheel adaptedto thrust the shaft against the action of its spring and rotate theplaten when the jaws release the flange of the ratchet-wheel.

24. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel provided with a flange, levers each having apair of gripping-jaws adapted normally to grip or bind the flange onopposite faces thereof and means for operating the levers-to release thejawsso that they may travel around the flange and permit the platen tobe rotated independently of the ratchet-wheel.

25. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a line-spaceratchet-wheel, a flange on the ratchet-wheel, levers provided withgripping-jaws to engage the flange of the ratchet-wheel, a shaftarranged to move longitudinally of the platen and carrying a wedgeadapted to act on the inner ends of the levers and force the jaws tobite and bind the flange of the ratchet-wheel, and means for connectingthe platen and shaft so that the two will at all times rotate in unison.

26. In a type-writing machine, the combination of the platen, aline-space ratchet-wheel, a flange on said ratchet-Wheel and which eX-tends toward the axis of the platen, a platenhead with hubs, one ofwhich forms a bearing for said flange, levers carrying grippingjaws, anactuating device for operating the gripping-levers, a shaft carrying thewedge, a spring, a finger-wheel, and means for connecting the shaft withthe platen so that they may rotate in unison.

27. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a line'spaceratchet-wheel, a flange on the ratchet-wheel, levers provided withgrippingjaws adapted to engage the flange, a platen-head provided withchannels for the reception of the levers, a springpressed shaft and aloosely-disposed actuatiug device carried by the shaft, and acting onthe inner ends of the gripping-levers to spread them so as to force eachlever to sustain the pressure which is exerted on the other.

28. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a line-spaceratchet-wheel, aflange on said ratchet-Wheel, gripping-levers providedwith jaws for engaging said flange, a platen-head provided with a hubaround which the flange of the ratchet-wheel is adapt ed to rotate, saidplaten-head having channels for the reception of the gripping-levers,

a stirrup carried by said platen-head and having a slot in its side anda perforation in its end, a shaft which passes through said perforationand provided with a finger to travel in said slot. an actuating deviceon the shaft for spreading the gripping-levers, a spring carried by saidshaft between the end of the stirrup and finger and a finger-wheel onthe end of said shaft, whereby the shaft may be moved longitudinallyindependently of the platen to release it from the line spacingratchet-wheel and may be rotated to turn the platen.

29. In atype-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a platen-headprovided with hubs and channels, a ratchet-wheel having a flange or websupporting said ratchet-wheel on the hub of the platen-head, leverscarried in the channels of said platen-head and pro vided withgripping-jaws adapted normally to engage the flange of the ratchet-wheeland lock the flange to the platen-head, and means for releasing thejawsfrom the flange.

30. Inatype-writingmachine,the combination of a platen, a platen-head, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel provided with a flange which is adapted to belocked to the platen-head, levers with locking-jaws,ashaft carryinganactuating device adapted to operate said levers to lock and unlock thejaws, and means for connecting said shaft and the platen-head and to atall times preventarelative turning movement between said shaft andplaten-head whereby the shaft and platen will at all times be turnedtogether.

31. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel having a flange, an end plate, levers havinglocking-jaws at their ends to engage the flange and inclined faces attheir inner ends, means for automatically moving said levers to effect agripping of the flange by the jaws, and means for relieving the pressureof the levermoving means and effecting the release of the flange 32. Ina type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a line-spacingratchet-wheel having a flange, a platen-head carrying levers that extendlongitudinally of the platen and are provided with lateral jaws forengaging said flange, and an actuating device that moves longitudinallyof the platen and cooperates with said levers for automaticallyspreading the levers and causing the jaws to simultaneously anduniformly grip the flange.

33. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen andratchet-wheel adapted to be locked to turn in unison, said ratchetwheclhaving a flange, loosely-disposed levers with locking-jaws, an actuatingdevice cooperating with said levers, a shaft carryingsaid actuatingdevice, and a spring for moving said shaft to cause said jaws to gripsaid flange.

34. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel,

' ashaft provided with a finger-wheel, a guidefinger, a coiled spring,an actuating device carried by the shaft, a platen-head secured to theplaten and provided with hubs and having channels and an opening for thepassage of the shaft; a stirrup carried by the platenhead and adapted toguide the shaft and its finger, and means controlled by said actuatingdevice for automatically effecting a locking between the ratchet-wheeland the platenhead.

35. In atype-writing machine, the combination of a line-spaceratchet-wheel provided with a flange, a platen carrying within itshollow core means for normally locking it to the ratchet-wheel andcomprising a platen-head secured to the platen, locking-levers looselyseated in sockets or channels in the platenhead and having jaws whichare adapted to engage the flange of the line-spacing ratchetwheel, anactuating device operating on the inner ends of the levers, a shaftcarrying the actuating device and provided with a spring to hold theactuating device in position between the ends of the levers, and meansfor releasing the actuating device and unlocking the jaws.

36. 1natype-writingmachine,-the eombination of a platen, a line-spaceratchet-wheel having a flange, levers provided at their outer ends withgripping-jaws that cooperate with said flan e and having cams at theirinner ends, a platen-head having channels for the reception of saidlevers, a shaft carrying an actuating device operating on the cams onsaid 1evers, a stirrup carried by the platen-head and adapted to guidethe shaft, and means for effecting a longitudinal movement of saidshaft.

37. In atype-writing machine, the combination of a platen carrying aplaten-head provided with holes and channels, a line-space ratchet-ringwith an internal flange, levers that extend longitudinally of the platenand each having at one end jaws which engage the flange, a shaft passingthrough the end plate and provided with means for preventing itsrotation therein, a finger-wheel, a spring on said IIO shaft, and anactuating device carried loosely on the shaft and adapted to beautomatically moved and forced to bear against the free ends of thelocking-levers and cause the jaws to bind the flange of the wheel.

38. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aplaten-head, a ratchet-ring having a flange, levers each havinggrippingjaws at one end and a cam at the other, and a shaft carrying anactuating device that is adapted to move laterally with relation to saidshaftand to engage the cams on said levers and cause the jaws to biteand hold the flange.

39. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel, a lever that is arrangedlongitudinally'within the platen and which is brought into directfrictional engagement with the line-spacing ratchet-wheel, and means foractuating said lever.

40. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing ratchet-wheel, a plurality of levers that are arrangedlongitudinally within the platen and which are brought intod irectfrictional engagement with the line-spacing ratchet-wheel and exert apressure thereon longitudinally of the platen, and hand-controlled meansfor actuating said levers.

41. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacingratchet-wheel, a plurality of bent levers having arms ofdifferent lengths and having their longer arms extended longitudinallyof the platen and their shorter arms arranged to .frictionally engagewith the line-spacing ratchet-wheel and exert a pressure thereonlongitudinally of the platen, and means for actuating said levers.

42. In atype-writing machine, the combination of a platen,a line-spacingratchet-wheel, levers that extend longitudinally of the platen and whichare brought into directfrictional engagement with the line-spacingratchetwheel, a finger-wheel, and a wedging device controlled by saidfinger-wheel for acting on said levers.

43. In atype-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing wheel, means for binding said wheel and causing it'to turnwith said platen, a lever operatively connected to said wheel-bindingmeans and extending longitudinally within the platen, a springpressedshaft, and means operated by said shaft for actuating said lever andnormally causing the said binding means to act on the said line-spacingwheel so as to cause the latter and the platen to turn together; saidshaft being adapted to be moved longitudinall y to release the saidlever and said binding means and enable the platen to be turnedindependently of said line-spacing wheel.

44. In a type-writingmachine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacingwheel, aplatenhead permanently secured to said platen,binding means carried by said head and adapted to engage saidline-spacing wheel and cause it normally to turn with said platen,levers arranged longitudinally within said platen and carried by saidhead and operatively connected to said binding means for actuating thesame, a platen-shaft having a bearing in said head, means controlled bysaid platen-shaft for acting on said levers to cause said binding meansto engage said line-spacing wheel, and a spring acting on said shaft andlever-actuating means for normally causing engagement between saidbinding means and said line-spacing wheel so as to enable the latter andthe platen to turn together; said shaft beingadapted to be movedlongitudinally against the tension of its spring to release said bindingmeans and enable the platen to be turned independently of theline-spacing wheel.

45. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing wheel, a bent lever having one arm arranged longitudinallyof the platen and the other transversely thereof, and means for actingonthe longitudinallyarranged arm and causing the transversely-arranged armto press in a direction endwise of the platen and against theline-spacing wheel so as to bind the same by a frictional engagement.

46. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing wheel, a pair of bentlevershavinglong armsextendinglengthwise of the platen and shorter arms extendingtransversely thereof, and spring-pressed means acting on the longer armsof said levers and causing the shorter arms normally to press againstthe line-spacing wheel in the general direction of the length of theplaten and to bind the same by a frictional engagement.

47. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing wheel, a pair of bent levers having long arms arrangedlengthwise of the platen and shorter arms arranged transversely thereof,a spring-pressed sliding shaft, and means controlled thereby for actingon said levers and causing their shorter arms normally to press againstthe line-spacing wheel; the construction and arrangement being such thatwhen the shaft is moved in opposition to its spring the pressure on theline-spacing wheel is relieved and the platen left free to be rotatedindependently of the line-spacing Wheel.

48. In atype-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing wheel, an unpivoted lever arranged both to fulcrum on andgrip said line-spacing wheel, and a spring for causing the lever thus toact; the combination and arrangement being such that the full essentialforce of the spring is exerted directly on the said lever.

49. In a ty pe-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing wheel, a pair of unpivoted levers arranged to fulcrum onand also to grip said wheel, and a spring acting equally on each of saidlevers and adapted to expend its entire essential force directlythereupon.

50. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, aline-spacing wheel, a pair of oppositely-disposed clamping-jaws arrangedto fulcrum on and also to grip said wheel, and spring mechanism foracting directly on said jaws and imparting thereto the full essentialpower of said spring.

Signed in the borough of Manhattan, city of New York, in the county ofNew York and State of New York, this 22d day of December, A. D. 1902.

OSCAR woo'nwARn.

Witnesses:

K. V. DONOVAN, E. M. WELLS.

